A Journal of Life in a Wisconsin Small-Town

Paddle Horicon Marsh

Head to Horicon Marsh Saturday, June 25 between 7:30 a.m. and 1 p.m. and join fellow outdoor enthusiasts for a 6.5 mile aquatic journey in a canoe or kayak and paddle through the marsh into the Rock River.

Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources staff will be on hand to help guide participants and point out wildlife, food chains and ecosystems of the marsh as you venture downstream. The paddle begins at the Green Head Boat Landing and will conclude at the Nebraska St. Landing in Horicon. You can launch your vessel anytime between 7:30 a.m. and 11 a.m.

DNR staff and volunteers will help load and unload any vessels and give short presentations regarding wildlife in the marsh at various way points along the water trail. Onsite parking is free of charge, and restroom facilities will be available at the beginning and end of the trail.

Paddlers with their own canoe or kayak will be given free shuttle service provided by Johnson Bus. The shuttle will run from 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. from the Nebraska Street Boat Landing in Horicon back to vehicles at Green Head Boat Landing.

Those looking for more information regarding how the department manages the marsh should keep an eye out for an airboat that will travel along the paddle route. Participants will have a great opportunity to talk with experts and learn from some of the people who work at the marsh every day.

The event is free and open to the public. Participants who do not own a canoe or kayak can rent a vessel at Horicon Marsh Boat Tours which is located in Horicon. For your convenience, Horicon Marsh Boat Tours will be running their own shuttles to the launch site at Green Head Boat Landing for an additional fee. To inquire about canoe or kayak rental, contact Blue Heron Boat Landing at 920.485.4663 or visit www.horiconmarsh.com.

For trail maps or other information, contact 920-387-7893 or go to the Friends of Horicon Marsh web site at www.horiconmarsh.org. Green Head Boat Landing is located at N8600 Green Head Road, Horicon – GPS coordinates are N43 30 19.5 W088 35 31.3.